Today I Am Thankful…

… for a relatively healthy body that, despite years of abuse, is responding to my attempt to improve it and make it stronger.  Though my bones and muscles may protest after a particularly hard effort, they always carry me through everything I ask of them.

… for the world’s most awesome husband, who loves me despite my flaws.  He would go to the ends of the world to make me happy.  Oh, he does the dishes and laundry too!

… for the unconditional love in my dog’s eyes when she sees me.  Even on my blackest days, I can find peace in the feel of her soft coat under my fingers.

… for my home, my job, and the ability to eat as healthily as I choose, in a time when so many are lacking one or more of these.

… for friends, either local or online, who have confidence in me even when I do not.

… for the online communities I’ve become a part of in the past year – the health and fitness bloggers and tweeps…  Brad Gansberg’s #7daychip and #5kin100days families… Robby’s #gothedist group…  They are there when I need help regaining my focus, without pushing too hard in the times when I need to lose myself for a bit.  They inspire me to try things I thought were out of reach for many years, and they don’t condemn when I fall short of my goals.

Thank you.

Black (Mood) Friday

Over the past few years, or maybe longer, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been referred to as “Black Friday” because that’s the day that can make or break a retail operation’s sales revenue for the year.  This year, the big thing is to start the Black Friday sales in advance of the actual day.  Let me tell ya – I could teach them a thing or two about getting an early start on the holidays…

It’s been a long time since I felt celebratory by the time Turkey Day rolls around – that’s about the time I start to think about how little I’ve accomplished toward my goals for the year.  This year is promising to be a real winner, due to some pretty significant emotional upheavals on the family front, and some pretty stressful incidents at work, too.

I’ve suspected that it was creeping up on me for a couple of weeks now – my enthusiasm about getting moving and sticking to my plan has been waning, along with making time for me…  And it’s starting up the vicious cycle all over again.

I’m going to do my best to beat the holiday blues, but I know I have a tough road ahead…  If you have any tips for staying strong into the New Year, I’d surely appreciate if you would pass them along…

Day 2–Long, But Good…

I left home for work today just before 8 am, and got home a bit after 9 pm.  Of course, part of that was my wonderful weekly yoga class, which allowed me to relax after the last rough couple of weeks, but also seemed to energize me quite nicely.

I really do need to start practicing more frequently!

Day 1–Back To Square 1

I’m sure I’ve said this before, but it’s been a rough couple of weeks.

I let work rule my life, and I’ve paid the price in poor sleep, unhealthy eating, and next to no activity – all of which resulted in several steps in the wrong direction with regard to my healthy living goals.

That all changes, starting today.

Tracking my food, drinking my water, moving my body, and getting enough rest are back in the forefront, along with some other changes I’ve been thinking about – more to come on those another time.

At this point in time, I’m wholly committed to making positive changes in my life.  I know that, in the days, weeks, and months ahead, there will be times when that commitment may waver – I know that, in order to get through those times, I will need help from my support circles on Facebook, Twitter, and through this blog.  I also know that, in order to get this help and support, I have to ask for it.

Asking for help is not something that has ever come easily to me – I know that I’m a stubborn, self-reliant, and independent idiot in many areas of my life.  It’s going to be hard for me to change this, but I’m going to try.

I also need to learn to stop making excuses – no one really wants to hear why I blew it; they just want to know that I’m going to accept that I made a mistake and move on.  Suffice to say that I am the only one I can blame for my situation, because I’m the one that’s made the decisions.  I’m the ONLY ONE WHO CAN MAKE IT BETTER.  Whether that involves changing habits, seeking professional help, or just staying on the same course, it’s my choice, so there isn’t any sense in saying, it happened because…

In the coming days, I’m going to put everything down on paper – my goals, why I want them, and how I’ll reward myself for achieving them.

And, above all, I’m going to try to stay positive – I CAN DO IT THIS TIME!